Opinion on these scope makes

[Brock]

I would like to know what people think of these scope makes please.

NcStar. Apparently BSA have started selling this model
under their badge.

SMK. Are these as nasty as the air rifles?

The reason I ask is that they both sell some high spec scopes for good prices. Are they any good for HFT, vermin shooting etc?

All opinions appreciated.

[Brock]

Anybody?

[maty j]

ive got a cheap 3-9x40 scope came with mouts for £40.not shore if its smk but it does the job and hits the target.

[Redneck]

I have tried a SMK scope - 3-9 40. Its true you can hit things with them but I noted the following problems

They are not good at all in fading light

The sight picture does distort round the edges

If on a springer they do tend to move their zero

They are very shiney and reflect light - not good for rabbiting

As fot FT use - they don't do a PA / Rangefinder scope

In summary - woudl go for a second hand PA scope to start FT

[Brock]

Thanks for the info guys.

I already have two 3-9x40 scopes, one is a tasco the other webley. I was just thinking of buying something slightly bigger that has illumination on it. You can get scopes from Ncstar and SMK quite cheaply for their spec. Obviously the less you pay for something you are going to lose quality somewhere along the line.

Anybody tried the Ncstar gear?

[tightpants]

Hi

My mate had an NC Star 3-9x50 IR scope from e-bay for about £50 ish. Its not a bad scope at all for the money, nice clear optics and quite reasonable in low light conditions. It has a full illuminated reticle. The only fault I had with it is that the Mag ring was a little stiff to adjust but this may wear in?
Overall it was almost as good as my 3-9x50 IR Hawke which was over twice as much.

My advice if you get one though, invest in some decent mounts as the free ones with the NC Star were a bit cheap and nasty

TP

[Brock]

Thanks for that tightpants.

[Dave Willy]

IMO the best optics for the price is the Tasco Varmint series. I bought a 2.8-10x42 for £50 second hand and am VERY impressed with the optics and overall build quality, p!sses all over the hawks which are about the same price. I remeber seeing a few bumping around in the sales section for good prices.
Yes, they a fit for hunting and HFT, I actually use mine for both.

Dave

[Mark A]

I had an SMK 6X40 when i first got into air guns and the crosshair started rotating after a few thousand shots. I then got a simmons 3-9X40 and thats still going strong. It's probably better to pay a bit extra if its going on a springer, but if its for a PCP then it should be fine.

Mark

[manxteddy]

I use a Hawke 6x42 Mildot on my gasram.Very clear image and is withstanding the recoil.Good field of view also.Try Ramsbottom for £52.
Graham

[Brock]

Originally posted by manxteddy
I use a Hawke 6x42 Mildot on my gasram.Very clear image and is withstanding the recoil.Good field of view also.Try Ramsbottom for £52.
Graham

Hi Graham,

I am thinking of buying a Hawke, but I was just trying to find out some info on NcStar and SMK as a cheaper alternative. I have seen an NcStar 3-12x56 ILLUMINATED RIFLE SCOPE +FREE MOUNTS for £56.99 on . Sounds good but the quality might not be up to much?

Cheers,

Allen.

[manxteddy]

Suggest you try HARDRAR as he has experience of NC STAR.
SMK , well one is owned by Grendel so he might advice.
I use a Varmint 1., 6x24x42 and an Simmons 8 point 1.5x5x32 and am pleased with them all.
For the price Deben are good in my opinion.
Graham

[Brock]

How many makes of scope do Deben make? My Tasco Longhorn is also made by them and I know they also produce the varmit etc

[manxteddy]

Simply check their website for your answer.

[Doobin]

I have a 4x32 red lense SMK scope, and I must say, I'm actually very pleased with it's performance for the price

Just bought a 3-9*32 SMK off a member on here, looks to be much the same quality

The Hawke scopes are also damn good value for money, though. I have a pair of the mildot 3-9*50 ones, one of which has an illuminated reticle. They are very nice. I've also had a peek down my mates Hawke 4*32, as well as my Hawke 4*20. Both very good scopes for the money. Nice optics for the price, look after them and they'll last.